Page 20 of Scoring Chance

“It’s been going on since I joined the team. It wasn’t my fault Olli got injured and I played out most of the season, but they seem to hold it against me.”

He didn’t say anything for a moment, and I shifted in my seat. “Is that really all you can think of?”

I nodded. What else could there be?

“You think your teammates are holding a grudge because you stepped in and helped them get to playoffs?”

When he said it that way it seemed as idiotic as I’d thought. “See, it’s insane.”

“You’re right. It is, because it’s wrong.”

I threw up my hands. “How is it wrong? They all hate me because I took Olli’s spot.” I spent months hearing their snide remarks and immature jabs.

“He was injured, and you did your job. You did it quite well, too.”

I shrugged. “See it’s stupid but I can’t control it. I try to be friendly. I go to all the team events and the dinners. I never turn down an invitation because I want them to think of me as apart of the team. I make the effort.”

He leaned forward, folding his hands together on the desk. “Derrek, I’m only going to say this once, so listen carefully. No one on the team begrudges you for filling in for Olli. They appreciate the work you put in and credit you for how far they got.”

I dropped my eyes while ingesting his revelation. If that wasn’t their problem with me, then what was?

“Normally, none of us coaches would get involved in personal problems like this. If guys have problems with each other off the ice it isn’t our business, until it starts affecting the team. We’re to the point that the tension between you and the other guys is having a negative impact on team performance.”

I opened my mouth to defend myself, but he didn’t let me interrupt.

“I’ve heard from several guys about different instances involving you and some of the team.”

My stomach dropped to the floor. I felt like a child getting reprimanded in the principal’s office. But I still didn’t understand why. They were the ones who had made my life miserable— letting me know I didn’t actually belong to the team—since I got my spot on the Fury.

“Now that I’ve heard things from their side, I want you to have the opportunity to explain.”

I kept my face blank, not wanting to give anything away. “What do you mean?”

“Tensions have been high for over a year. I know that things have been said and done by you and by several of our older players.”

I scoffed. “You mean the fact that they treat me like a child? They’ve been picking on me and tearing me down constantly.”

He released a long breath. “When we spoke last week, I hoped that you would have taken the time to self-reflect and figure out how you fit into this situation.”

I raised one hand. “Like what? They don’t like me. How can I control that?”

“I’m new this season so I wasn’t there when this all started. This means that I have to rely on what others tell me, but it also means I’m not biased. I’m neutral in all of this. A sounding board for everyone.” He leveled me with a single look. “You’re not an innocent victim in this. I need you to accept that before we move on.”

I let out a huff. “It feels like I’m being singled out. It feels like I have a target on me.”

“Derrek, from what I’ve been told, not a single man on this team has a problem with you as a player. I’ve heard praises about how talented you are. They are all grateful you’re here and they know they can trust you to play when the occasion arises. They don’t have to worry about the games when you’re in the goal. I’m not sure there’s a higher compliment a goalie can receive.”

I nodded. I might not completely believe him but he had no reason to lie to me. I blew out a breath. “Okay, so then what is the problem?”

“It’s the attitude you have.”

“What?” I was so thrown off, I let my guard down.

“I’ve been told by a few guys that you’ve made inconsiderate and even inappropriate comments before.”

That was the very last thing I expected. “I don’t…” I was at a loss.

“I don’t accept generalities, so I made sure to get specific examples. At one point, you told Grant that he dodged a bullet not having to become an instant dad.”